Hundreds of demonstrators occupied the line in the state of Minas Gerais to protest against the construction of a hydroelectric dam by Vale and a partner company. They left after Vale obtained a court order to have them removed.

The action comes amid a widening campaign by landless groups to target major agricultural businesses and multinationals over a range of issues. The protesters, led by activist groups Via Campesina and MST, occupied the railway in the town of Resplendor. They said a hydroelectric dam being built by Vale and an energy company had displaced more than 2,000 people. The blockade prevented the transport of some 300,000 tonnes of iron ore to port.